Velpatasvir

1 medicine

Velpatasvir, combined with sofosbuvir, is an antiviral used to cure chronic hepatitis C. It can reactivate hepatitis B infection, so testing and monitoring for hepatitis B is required before and during treatment.

Velpanat

Sofosbuvir, Velpatasvir

400/100mg

Velpanat is a antivirals medication containing Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir, available as 400/100mg tablets.

from $44.20 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Velpatasvir is a direct-acting antiviral used together with sofosbuvir, as the combination product Epclusa, to treat chronic hepatitis C infection across all major genotypes.
  • It's taken as one tablet daily, usually for twelve weeks. Completing the full course gives a high chance of cure, meaning the virus becomes undetectable and stays that way afterward.
  • Before starting, your doctor tests for hepatitis B. Clearing hepatitis C with this combination can reactivate a dormant hepatitis B infection, sometimes causing serious liver damage, so anyone with current or past hepatitis B needs monitoring during and after treatment.
  • Seek urgent care for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness, which can signal liver problems.

What velpatasvir treats

Velpatasvir, combined with sofosbuvir, treats chronic hepatitis C virus infection in adults, regardless of genotype. It is sometimes combined with a third antiviral, voxilaprevir, for people who haven't responded to previous treatment.

How velpatasvir works

Velpatasvir blocks a hepatitis C viral protein called NS5A, which the virus needs to copy its genetic material and assemble new virus particles. By stopping this step, it lowers the amount of virus in the blood until it becomes undetectable.

Before you take it

  • Tell your doctor about any current or past hepatitis B infection, so it can be tested for and monitored.
  • Mention if you take amiodarone for heart rhythm problems; combining it with sofosbuvir-based treatment has caused dangerously slow heart rates.
  • Antacids and some acid-reducing medicines lower absorption of velpatasvir; take them several hours apart, as your doctor or pharmacist advises.
  • Safety in pregnancy isn't established; discuss contraception with your doctor.

Side effects

Common effects include headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, and trouble sleeping.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine.
  • A very slow heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting, especially if you take amiodarone.
  • Severe allergic reaction with rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Safety essentials

  • Hepatitis B testing before treatment is mandatory. If you have or have had hepatitis B, your doctor monitors your liver during and after the course, since treatment can reactivate the virus.
  • Take the tablet once daily for the full course; missed doses reduce the chance of cure and can promote drug resistance.
  • Tell your doctor about all other medicines, especially amiodarone and acid-reducing drugs, since both interact significantly with this combination.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.